Submariner old vs new (without steel bracelet)

[samipasazade]

Hello, after owning a bunch of different brands (flipping after a year or 2), I am drawn to the rolex submariner as i am getting older too. From the topics i read on the discussion between old or new, most people say the bracelet makes the difference and if you can afford, buy the new. My budget is up to 8k and cannot afford the new. I can get a sub around the 2001-2010 year in mint condition with the steel bracelet but i also found a new version (used) a few years old but on a leather strap. The price is around the same as the old version with the bracelet. This way i feel i can own the new version and basically buy the bracelet in a year or two. So assuming i will have the new version with the bracelet in a couple of years, is it recommendable to go with the new version?

Aesthetics wise, i am indifferent between ceramic and aluminum although i didnt like when my oris 65 bezel chipped pretty quickly. I am not sure how significantly bigger it looks on the wrist but i prefer a bit understated (although my current watch, a 47mm panerai 1940 is anything but which is why i am tired of it). It is hard to exactly communicate my preference but i dont want someone i meet to immediately notice my watch and/or think i am showy. When i see a guy with the old sub, i need another glance or two to make sure it is a rolex sub and i try to do that in a not so obvious way but at the same time i instinctively can tell it is but just need some confirmation and i like that aspect. I wonder in the new model, that is more like at first glance 'oh yeah that is rolex sub'.

And also, i should be able to buy the new bracelet if i bring the watch to an AD and tell them that is how i bought it or will they still demand the old bracelet?

Thank you in advance.